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Media Release: Embrace My Health Record for simpler, safer care wherever you are

Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt has called on Australians, especially senior Australians, to embrace the rollout of the My Health Record, for secure, safer, more convenient care.

Joining Australian Digital Health Agency CEO Tim Kelsey for the first community information session for older Australians on My Health Record, Minister Wyatt said the patient-centred digital system helped health professionals deliver the best care.

“My Health Record empowers Australians to take better control of their health and provides secure access to patients’ health information at the point of care,” said Minister Wyatt.

“People often tell me they are tired of being asked the same questions when they go to see a health professional. This can be particularly frustrating for older Australians, who may be taking a number of medications and seeing a number of doctors.

“I also hear examples of older people being admitted to hospital and not receiving the medications they have been prescribed, because no one knew what they were supposed to be taking.”

My Health Record presents information from across the health system, through a GP uploading a shared health summary record, Medicare data, public and private pathology and radiology reports and hospital discharge summaries.

“My Health Record places the consumer at the centre, with the power to add, remove, and restrict access to certain information,” Minister Wyatt said.

“So you get to decide who sees your health information, and all of your healthcare team can share the same information together.

“It gives Australians the freedom to travel anywhere in Australia, knowing they have instant access to safe and secure digital health records, including care plans.”

Retired Western Australian teacher Dot Price attended the information event.

“When we are travelling, My Health Record provides extra security and peace of mind for any medical situation we might find ourselves in,” Mrs Price said.

“My Health Record also provides me with the ability to upload my advanced care planning, so I know my wishes will be respected and have legal status.”

Mrs Dot Price and Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt

Mr Kelsey said more than five million Australians were already using My Health Record.

“The Australian Digital Health Agency is implementing the My Health Record nationally this year, delivering a system that provides universal functionality, clear and concise content and, critically, a safe and secure clinical health service for all Australians,” said Mr Kelsey.

“My Health Record will reduce the risk of medical misadventures by collecting and storing accurate medical health records.”

Minister Wyatt said the Turnbull Government would invest $374.2 million over the next two years to continue and expand the system, allowing every Australian to have a My Health Record by December 2018, unless they prefer not to.

“I am proud of the security and privacy of the system and the clear benefits to health care,” said Minister Wyatt.

“I want senior Australians in particular to benefit from this investment, especially the many mobile ‘grey nomads’ who are enjoying our wonderful country and will be able to make the most of more connected care.”

About the Australian Digital Health Agency

The Agency is tasked with improving health outcomes for all Australians through the delivery of digital healthcare systems and the national digital health strategy for Australia. The Agency is the system operator of the My Health Record, and provides leadership, coordination, and delivery of a collaborative and innovative approach to utilising technology to support and enhance a clinically safe and connected national health system. These improvements will give individuals more control of their health and their health information, and support healthcare professionals to provide informed healthcare through access to current clinical and treatment information.www.digitalhealth.gov.au

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By operation of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Establishing the
Australian Digital Health Agency) Rule 2016, on 1 July 2016, all the assets and
liabilities of NEHTA will vest in the Australian Digital Health Agency. In this website, on and
from 1 July 2016, all references to "National E-Health Transition Authority" or "NEHTA" will be
deemed to be references to the Australian Digital Health Agency. PCEHR means the My Health
Record, formerly the "Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record", within the meaning of the
My Health Records Act 2012 (Cth), formerly called the Personally Controlled
Electronic Health Records Act 2012 (Cth).